Abstract
The aim of the present study is to conduct the validity and reliability study of Suicide Cognitions Scale which is developed to measure cognitions with regard to suicide. The sample of the study consisted of 293 university students (136 males and 157 females) aged between 18 and 28 years. In line with the study purposes, participants were asked to complete Suicide Cognitions Scale, Beck Hopelessness Scale, Beck Depression Inventory and Suicide Probability Scale. Two-factor and three-factor structure of the scale was tested through confirmatory factor analyses. Results showed that both two-factor structure and three-factor structure of the scale yielded good validity and reliability results. Further, three-factor structure of the scale fit the data better compared to two-factor structure. In this regard, it can be said that three-factor structure may be used more preferably than two-factor structure. Cognitive factors such as hopelessness, helplessness, incompetence and inability to overcome are proposed to be amongst most substantial predictors of suicide. Turkish adaptation of Suicide Cognitions Scale which measure these cognitive factors or cognitions of suicide would contribute to the related literature in terms of assessment and preventive interventions.
Key words: Suicide, suicide cognitions scale, hopelessness, validity, reliability